The Rose and The Warrior by Karyn Monk Page B

scoffed, unimpressed. “I’ve fallen from twice that height and barely felt it.”
    â€œThat’s because you landed on your head,” said Myles, lazily polishing his arm bands against his plaid.
    Eric scowled. “You’re just jealous of my superior strength.”
    â€œHis head may tolerate the odd blow well enough, but I warrant this morning it is throbbing from the vast quantity of ale he drank last night,” Donald teased. “No doubt that accounts for his surly disposition today.”
    â€œPerhaps Gillian should dose him with another cup of her posset,” suggested Myles. “That would really put this superior Viking strength of his to the test.”
    â€œI thought it was poison,” Eric grumbled irritably. “ ’Twas the foulest brew I have ever tasted.”
    â€œI don’t think you need worry about the lass going near you with one of her brews again,” Myles reflected. “Judging by the haste with which she quit the hall, I’d say you’ve terrified the poor maid.”
    â€œNow, that’s a pity.” Donald idly examined the rope around his wrists. “She was a comely little thing.”
    â€œShe was weak and afraid,” Eric countered. “She would not make a fit mate for a warrior. A warrior needs a woman who is strong and fearless.”
    â€œI shall settle for a lass who is pleasing upon the eye, and soft and willing in my bed.”
    â€œIt is a woman’s duty to be willing,” Eric replied brusquely. “My wife should be proud to take my seed and bear strong children.”
    Donald regarded him with amusement. “I really must spend some time educating you on the ways of women, my friend, before these barbaric ideas of yours get you into serious trouble.” He sat up, pleased to have found something to keep himself occupied. “Now, then, your first lesson is how to look at a woman without sending her into fits of hysteria.”
    Eric glowered.
    â€œExcellent. That is exactly how you don’t want to look. Now that you’ve mastered that, let’s move on. The next lesson is: when a woman offers you something to drink, which she has obviously gone to a great deal of trouble to make, try to refrain from spitting it out and accusing her of trying to kill you.”
    â€œIf you don’t cease this drivel I’m going to kill you,” Eric warned ominously.
    â€œYou may think that now, but there is going to be a moment where you will actually want to thank me,” replied Donald, unconcerned. “Women love to be complimented on their appearance, so try to think of something nice to say.”
    Myles stopped polishing his arm bands. “Like what?”
    â€œThat depends on what stage you are at in your seduction. For instance, if you have only just met, ’tis good to remark on something relatively safe, like comparing her hair to the dark of the night sky, or saying her eyes are the color of sapphires.”
    Eric snorted in disgust. “I have never seen a woman with eyes like sapphires.”
    â€œIt doesn’t matter whether they are actually that blue or not,” explained Donald patiently, “you flatter her by telling her it is so. She is certainly not about to contradict you when you point out her more comely attributes.”
    â€œWhat about her arms?” asked Myles.
    Donald frowned. “What about them?”
    â€œIs that a good thing to compliment her on?”
    â€œIn truth, I can’t recall meeting a woman who particularly wanted to hear about her arms. Besides, there are so many other wonderful things to remark on, like her creamy skin, her rosy lips, her tiny waist, her soft cheek—”
    â€œI like strong arms,” interrupted Eric. “That means she will be able to carry a heavy load of wood without complaining.”
    Donald sighed. “Fine. Mention her strong arms if you like, but be sure to add something else, like